Thursday, December 31, 2015

Happy New Year! Sorry again for the lack of updates here, but letting you know the FIRST DRAFT of Edna's family bio is complete. After four years and four months, I began the re-writes today. Getting closer to having a biography on the life of Edna Purviance, and the family beside her.

Friday, December 04, 2015

This year I was invited by Lena Covello, from the the Aurora Repertory Theatre, as a guest for an Edna Purviance & Charlie Chaplin event in Nevada. The event was held in Reno on the weekend of October 23, 24, and 25, 2015.

On Edna's birthday, October 21, I was also scheduled to make an appearance in Lovelock, Nevada, for an get together. It was great fun to meet (and re-meet) some wonderful people there, and to see some of the changes in town since my last visit.

In Reno, I had the great pleasure of working with David Shepard and pianist, Frederick Hodges, as we entertained and informed people, for a full two days on Saturday and Sunday. Being emcee, I shared information on each film, with background on Edna, throughout, some not shared anywhere before.

One of the highlights was a 16MM showing of "A Woman of Paris" with Mr. Hodges playing the original 1923 score. Because I do love film, it looks far better than the newest DVDs. And since Chaplin had supervised the music, it's too bad this version, with the 1923 music, can't be available. I will covering this in Edna's book, so was great to hear this version live. I also shared some key information about this film, as it involved Edna (covered in the book I am working on). Being in Nevada, I often went from Edna's perspective.

Unlike other trips, where I often take many photos, I was working on this one, so not many photos or videos taken. And the auditorium was quite dark for photos (even with lights on), but perfect for film watching. This video is from my perspective of the trip, but captures as much as possible of the event.

Thanks to Lena Covello, Carol Franc Buck Foundation, the Marshall's Mint, Darlene Vonsild (Lovelock), and all the people who helped make this Nevada event happen.

Guest: Film preservationist David Shepard, pianist Frederick Hodges, and Edna researcher (and emcee for the event), Linda Wada. Video created by Linda Wada (ednapurviance.org). Includes visit to Edna Purviance's hometown of Lovelock, Nevada. Music played by Frederick Hodges.

Sunday, November 08, 2015

Sorry for the lack of posts this year, but have been very busy offline this year. Currently working on Edna's family bio. Right now in the late years of her life, for the first draft. Also, spent time on an Edna and Charlie event in Nevada this year. This included a visit to Lovelock, Nevada, and MC'ing a two day film event in Reno, with film historian David Shepard, and world class pianist, Frederick Hodges. Currently I am working on an item about this event.

Current plans is to spend my time in getting the first draft of Edna's family bio complete. so back to work…

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

"By the Sea" was Chaplin's first film back in Los Angeles, after leaving Niles. It was a quick one reeler, as Chaplin and company were waiting for a studio to be ready for them. This was Edna's sixth film with Chaplin.

Thursday, January 01, 2015

2015 marks Edna Purviance's 100th year since starting in films. Edna arrived at the Niles Essanay Studios on, Thursday, January 21, 1915. She took her film test and continued in pictures for the next 12 years. A full year looking back at Edna's first year in films.

Latest updates on Edna Purviance's sites, related Charlie Chaplin news and items of interest, with a sampling of my other interests. Currently working on Edna's family bio. Draft is finished, and onto the editor stage. More to come.

Charlie Chaplin DVDs

Comparison Review of the Mutual DVD Collections

Charlie Chaplin Books

Collecting Chaplin books? Check out our list and database

Hollywood Series

Kevin Brownlow and David Gill - While still available on VHS from private collections, The Hollywood Series Collection SHOULD BE on DVD, but due to copyrights, controlled by studios, etc. it is being held-up. Great series that should be saved.

Adel Gance's Napoléon and Revisiting England

Morgan vs. Morgan

Finding the alias 'Morgan Hill'

The Sea Gull "A Woman of the Sea" by Linda Wada - Charlie Chaplin's lost film production - 1926

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR DETAILS! Film starring Edna Purviance, story and direction by Josef von Sternberg: "The look of the film, revealed in these marvellous photographs, makes it all the more tragic that it was destroyed." - Kevin Brownlow, Silent Film Historian, London

Adventure Films - 2014 WAR Series

with Garen & Murray Ewing discuss 10 war films for this latest series.

Lita Hill: Apr. 1933-Jan. 2008

Edna Purviance's Grand Niece has died - see January 21, 2008 post. About Lita's interview shown in Hollywood: "...remarkable interviews with Edna's great niece, herself quite the interesting lady. A nontraditional view of Edna, who did NOT pine away and die after her affair with Chaplin ended, but went out and lived a good full life and married the man of her dreams. I hope this one gets some walking money."

Discovered Films with Edna!

Edna Purviance's Private Life! See January 17th, 2007 special post!

Jack Squire's films part of FDR Documentary

PBS Producer, John Schwally, will be using some of Jack Squire's discovered films for upcoming documentary about FDR. (Jack was Edna's husband.)